Kelley Aerospace unveils supersonic combat drone concept
Kelley Aerospace has officially launched its supersonic unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV) concept, and says it has recieved 100 “pre-orders” for the vehicle.
Known as the Arrow, the combat drone was designed and will be produced at the company’s facility in Singpaore’s Seletar Aerospace Park. Test flights of a scale prototype were conducted in Israel in 2014.
Kelley Aerospace states that a manned combat aircraft can control “multiple” Arrow UCAVs, “each with a different mission… equipment [and] weapon set”. It can be launched autonomously, or be remotely controlled by two ground station controllers.
Apart from air-to-air and air-to-surface missions, the company says the Arrow can also be deployed for intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance tasks.
“The Arrow is designed to complement manned aircraft and be a force multiplier in the aerial battlefield,” an information sheet on the programme states.
With a maximum take-off weight of 16,800kg (37,040lb), the Arrow is able to fly more than 2,600nm (4,810km) at speeds of up to Mach 2.1.
The company touts the “relatively low price” of the UCAV as one of its advantages – a single Arrow UCAV markets for between $9 million and $16 million. This, it adds, “allows more airframes to be purchased and yet, have a multi-role supersonic UCAV to perform high-risk missions as it does not necessarily need to return home”.
Kelley Aerospace adds that the drone’s design – a monocoque made of proprietary carbon-fibre material – is the first of its kind in the world.
“It is designed for a reduced radar cross-section and infrared signature. The carbon fibre and monocoque design endows the Arrow with outstanding strength and stiffness,” adds the company.
The Arrow UCAV programme is part of an ambitious foray by Kelley Aerospace into the supersonic arena.
At a launch event in Singapore in December 2020, the company disclosed it was also developing a supersonic business jet. Two prototypes are reporting undergoing testing in the USA and Sweden.
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- Thread starter bd popeye
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Perhaps China can now support UN sanctions?
China doesn't need to do anything. Both junta and Aung San Suu Kyi need China. Aung San Suu Kyi found out the hard way when she assumed power. Beside it isn't the first time Myanmar junta tried to get in bed with the West. If Western powers accepted the junta's offer, it would not necessary be a bad thing. China can always support Aung San Suu Kyi and the minorities' militia.
Its not good to destabilise a neighbouring country. My guess is china is okay with Myanmar courting the US as long as they are not seriously anti china. Same case when china was okay with pakistan trying to improve relations with US during the honeymoon phase. China gov has tolerated far worse from taiwan
plawolf
Lieutenant General
If they think they aren’t getting enough benefits from China, maybe a beating from the Chinese big stick will help them put things in the proper prospective. China doesn’t owe them shit for them to try such pathetic shakedown tactics.
I think it’s way past time China ‘overreacted’ at some of these stupid money grabbing stunts to show these bottom tier nobodies that such stupid games wins them stupid prizes.
I think when the junta carried out the coup, they have already calculated how it would play out. Playing out China card against the West is a way out to mitigate against harsh sanction from the West. But at the same time, the generals realize the future of their country lies with being closer to China and adopting some aspect of the Chinese ways. The days of free for all democracy as advocated in the West for third world countries is not likely to happen in a complicated country like Burma. The Burmese generals can see with their own eyes the rapid development and rise of China. Hence this is one reasons why the West is becoming more edgy.
plawolf
Lieutenant General
Most east European former Russian republics are pretty racist, which also plays a huge part.
If junta wanted to have a good relationship with the West, it is perfectly fine with China. However, Chinese business and strategic interests can't be compromised. I doubt junta would be foolish enough to cross China but China does have many cards to play if it came down to that.